White spots, blotches, or streaks on the tonsils can be a sign of various conditions, including strep throat and oral thrush. Treatment is available for most of these conditions. Show
The tonsils are part of the lymphatic system and located on the back of the throat. Changes to the appearance of the tonsils may be a sign that the body is reacting to an infection. Often, there will also be a sore throat or swollen tonsils. In some cases, the spots may contain pus. Possible causes include:
Here, find out about some causes of white spots on the tonsils, when to see a doctor, and which treatment they might prescribe. Symptoms will depend on the cause, but a person may notice:
The most common cause of white spots on the tonsils is a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Some of the more common infections that can cause white spots include: Strep throatStrep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus. Additional symptoms that may indicate strep throat include:
Strep throat is a common infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is most common in:
If a person suspects they or someone they are caring for has strep throat, they should seek medical advice. While rare, complications can arise if the bacteria spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart. They include rheumatic fever, ear and sinus infections, and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys. Oral thrushOral thrush is a fungal infection that can affect the mouth and throat. Possible other symptoms include:
White spots may also appear on the cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. Oral thrush can affect anyone but is most common in those who:
It can affect infants and babies. Fungal spores are often present in the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, but they do not usually cause an infection. However, symptoms can appear if conditions change, for example, if the immune system becomes weakened. Viral tonsillitisTonsillitis involves inflammation or swelling of the tonsils. It usually results from a viral infection but can occur with strep throat. Symptoms of viral tonsillitis include:
Tonsillitis may occur with the following viruses:
It can also occur with strep throat, which is a bacterial infection. Infectious mononucleosisMononucleosis is a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, which affects certain blood cells. Along with white spots on the back of the throat, symptoms may include:
Infectious mononucleosis spreads easily from person to person. Those most at risk are teenagers and young adults. Tonsil stonesTonsil stones, also called tonsilloliths, are like hard, white stones that form on the tonsils. Often, a person will not notice they are there, but sometimes they can become large. One case report from 2005 describes a tonsil stone 2.5 centimeters (cm) by 1.5 cm. However, this is unusual. Tonsil stones, or tonsilloliths, can form when bacteria and debris, such as mucosa and food, become stuck in crevices in the tonsils. As the debris hardens or calcifies, white spots can become visible on the tonsils. Many people with tonsil stones do not notice them, but symptoms can include:
LeukoplakiaSome tissue changes can lead to leukoplakia, white or gray areas in the mouth or throat that do not disappear when a person scrapes them. Common causes include:
In rare cases, it can be an early sign of cancer. For this reason, a doctor may recommend a biopsy. Other causes of white spots on tonsilOther possible causes include:
A person should seek medical advice if they have:
A doctor will:
They may also take a throat swab or do blood tests for testing in a laboratory. These can show if bacteria are present, in which case they may prescribe antibiotics. Treatment will depend on the cause of the white spots. A doctor may recommend the following: A person who has recurrent infections of the tonsils may need surgery to remove them, known as a tonsillectomy. At-home treatmentDepending on the cause, treatment at home can help manage symptoms. This may include:
The time it takes for white spots to clear up will depend on the cause, treatment, and individual factors. It is not always possible to prevent white spots on the tonsil, but people can reduce the risk of some conditions that cause them. Tips include:
Here are some questions people often ask about white spots on the tonsils. Should I be worried about white spots on the tonsils?If white spots occur with severe or persistent symptoms or if symptoms do not disappear after 2–3 weeks, it is a good idea to seek medical advice. Can you have white spots without having strep throat?Yes, other causes include viral or bacterial tonsillitis, oral thrush, and tonsil stones. How can I get rid of white spots on my tonsils?This will depend on the cause. Often, they go away as an infection clears, either with home remedies or with medical treatment. A doctor can advise on specific options. White spots can occur on the tonsils for various reasons, including infections, tonsil stones, and oral thrush. Sometimes other symptoms occur, such as a sore throat, bad breath, or difficulty swallowing. Often, the condition that causes white spots either goes away without medical treatment, but home remedies can help manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Anyone who has concerns about white spots appearing on their tonsils should seek medical advice. Read the article in Spanish. Is it normal to have a spot on the back of your throat?The bumps are caused by enlarged lymphatic tissue in the tonsils and adenoids, which are pockets of tissue in the back of your throat. This tissue often becomes inflamed or irritated in response to extra mucus in the throat. While it can look alarming, cobblestone throat is usually harmless and easy to treat.
Does one white spot mean strep throat?Strep throat is a common cause of white spots in the throat, but oral thrush, tonsillitis and other infections may also cause this symptom. White spots in the throat are most frequently caused by infections. There are several possible causes for white spots in the throat.
Is one white spot tonsillitis?White streaks on the tonsils can be a sign of purulent tonsillitis, strep throat, infectious mononucleosis, or other infectious conditions. White spots on the tonsils may appear only on or around the tonsils or spread throughout the mouth.
Should I worry about white spots on my throat?White spots in your throat may seem a little scary, but they're not usually a sign of anything too serious. Lots of different health conditions can cause them. Some go away on their own in a week or so, while your doctor will need to treat others with medicine.
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